Malignant Histiocytosis

Malignant Histiocytosis is the biggest killer of Bernese Mountain Dogs

It is also very hard to diagnose and can be a very devious disease, it will often look like other cancers such as lymphoma.

Malignant Histiocytosis is completely different to Histiocytosis which is non malignant and can be treated. Malignant Histiocytosis has no cure and no effective treatment, typically the dog dies usually within 3 months.

Some of the symptons of MH are:-

Weight loss that is unexplained i.e if the dog is still eatingHigh temperature that does not go down with antibiotics ( this is often a key sympton)Cough (not alway present)Any tumor (not always present)Abnormalities with liverIf your dog displays any one or more of these symptons it is important to ask your vet to look and test for Malignant Histiocytosis. This can only be done by sending samples to one of the main veterinary hospitals, such as UCD, and looked at by specialists. The forms should request possible Malignant Histiocytosis as if it does not have this on the form it is not always looked for.

I have lost 2 Bernese with this devastating disease. If anyone would like to contact me for any advice and information I may be able to help, or just for someone to talk to. Please feel free to contact me on 086 8119136